A Snapshot of the Profile of the World's 4th Largest Island: Madagascar
This week I will be focusing on a brief glimpse of Madagascar, including a condensed history of the island dating only as far as the 16th and 17th centuries, political regime, and unrest surrounding the country as a whole.
Photo provided by the BBC
Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world, and has a fairly rich exporting industry, due to an abundance of desirable natural resources, such as coffee, vanilla, and spices. However, despite these profitable exports encompassing much of the nation's wealth, it is still seen as a very poor country, and relies heavily upon foreign aid to assist in maintaining a stable economy.
Madagascar used to be a French colony, dating from 1896 all the way until its independence in 1960. Within that span of time, however, revolt and social unrest was common, resulting in a rebellion that the French squashed in 1947. A presidency was established shortly after independence, but do to a coup attempt in 1975 a single leader ruled for close to 30 years. Only recently, in 1992, was a constitution drafted to reform the nation's democracy. Political unrest would not cease, however, as there was bloodless coup attempt in 2009, in which in response to this act, several nations instigated economic sanctions upon the country. By 2013, it seemed that democracy was being reestablished. Unfortunately, the elected president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, (incredibly long name, eh?) was accused of not fulfilling his campaign promises, and was placed on a bid for impeachment by the National Assembly. He sounds similar to some other president we know who has been seen as "unfavorable."
Hery Rajaonarimampianina- Provided by the BBC
Madagascar is a very interesting and complex nation, and not just because its wildlife is something out of this world. But because of its history of being conquered and dominated, that this little nation has seen its fair share of turmoil. One can only wait and see if someone can commandeer this vessel in the right direction.
All information used in this blog was borrowed from the BBC to help give a comprehensive view of Madagascar as a political entity.
The BBC article: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13861843
Photo provided by the BBCMadagascar is the 4th largest island in the world, and has a fairly rich exporting industry, due to an abundance of desirable natural resources, such as coffee, vanilla, and spices. However, despite these profitable exports encompassing much of the nation's wealth, it is still seen as a very poor country, and relies heavily upon foreign aid to assist in maintaining a stable economy.
Madagascar used to be a French colony, dating from 1896 all the way until its independence in 1960. Within that span of time, however, revolt and social unrest was common, resulting in a rebellion that the French squashed in 1947. A presidency was established shortly after independence, but do to a coup attempt in 1975 a single leader ruled for close to 30 years. Only recently, in 1992, was a constitution drafted to reform the nation's democracy. Political unrest would not cease, however, as there was bloodless coup attempt in 2009, in which in response to this act, several nations instigated economic sanctions upon the country. By 2013, it seemed that democracy was being reestablished. Unfortunately, the elected president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, (incredibly long name, eh?) was accused of not fulfilling his campaign promises, and was placed on a bid for impeachment by the National Assembly. He sounds similar to some other president we know who has been seen as "unfavorable."
Hery Rajaonarimampianina- Provided by the BBC
Madagascar is a very interesting and complex nation, and not just because its wildlife is something out of this world. But because of its history of being conquered and dominated, that this little nation has seen its fair share of turmoil. One can only wait and see if someone can commandeer this vessel in the right direction.
All information used in this blog was borrowed from the BBC to help give a comprehensive view of Madagascar as a political entity.
The BBC article: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13861843
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